Peyton Watson’s instant reaction to a stunning career night against the Pelicans

The Denver Nuggets overcame a tough test on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, winning 125-118 despite missing two starters.

Peyton Watson’s career-best performance helped Denver go 11-3 overall and 5-2 on the road. He starts in place of the injured Christian BrownWatson scored a game-high 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, while also grabbing a career-best 12 rebounds to secure his first double-double of the season. He played 34 minutes, with three assists and one block. The 23-year-old’s two-way role expanded after Aaron Gordon missed time with a hamstring injury.

“It feels good,” Watson he said after the game. “This coaching staff and my teammates have been so empowering for me to go out there and be myself, and we all knew it was just a matter of time before I got out there and the production followed. So I’m glad to have the opportunity to play on this team and help us get a win.”

Nikola Jokić finished the game with his ninth triple-double in 12 games, 28 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. The three-time MVP led the evening with a behind-the-back assist to Watson for a dunk. Complicating matters with nine turnovers and a foul with less than three minutes left, for the seventh time in his career, Jokic still contributed enough to help the Nuggets stay in control after New Orleans’ early 13-point lead.

Denver’s bench played a big role in maintaining the advantage. Bruce Brown added 12 points, three steals and four rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas added 14 points and seven rebounds, including two mid-range jumpers down the stretch.

Jamal Murray had 16 points and eight assists, effectively facilitating the Nuggets’ offense despite heavy defensive pressure. Cameron Johnson contributed 14 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from inside the arc, and Spencer Jones helped apply defensive pressure in the first half to help Denver recover from an early deficit.

The Nuggets now turn their attention to Friday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Houston Rockets, a clash of the second- and third-place teams in the Western Conference.